State: TX

Why It Matters: Sportsmen and women are greatly responsible for the many American conservation successes through their funding of state agencies, an important role in wildlife population management. However, the contributions of sportsmen and sportswomen do not end with conservation funding. With the holiday season approaching, game meat donation programs serve as an opportunity for…

Why It Matters: State fish and wildlife management agencies play an important role in conserving our nation’s public trust fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of all. For sportsmen and women, the original conservationists whose dedication to conservation led to the creation and funding of state agencies, it is important that we support efforts…

Contact: Kent Keene, Assistant Manager, Lower Midwestern States and Agriculture Policy Why It Matters: Public participation in the decision-making process surrounding fish and wildlife management is indicative of an engaged public, and members of the outdoor sporting community are always encouraged to be involved at every available opportunity. However, it is important to remember that…

Contact: Kent Keene, Senior Coordinator, Lower Midwestern States and Agriculture Policy Highlights Why It Matters: The continuation of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department provides a unique opportunity to discuss the important role that state fish and wildlife agencies play in the conservation of our nation’s fish and wildlife resources for the benefit of all…

Contact: Kent Keene, Senior Coordinator, Lower Midwestern States and Agriculture Policy Highlights Why it matters: For centuries, hunters served as providers for their communities. Today, reliance on hunters and gatherers to supply food outside of their own homes has diminished. However, hunters in many states can play a role in providing for those in need…

Contact: Kent Keene, Lower Midwestern States Coordinator With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic still at the front of everyone’s minds, we are already beginning to witness the impact that actions taken in some states during the past year will have on state legislative sessions across the nation in 2021. Some of the primary responses to the…

Contact: Kent Keene, Lower Midwestern States Coordinator The Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission) is currently accepting public comments on a set of proposed regulatory amendments that will be discussed during the Commission’s upcoming meeting on November 10. Among the amendments is a proposed change that would allow hunters to display their hunter education certification…

Contact: Kent Keene, Lower Midwestern States Coordinator During their recent regularly scheduled meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission (Commission) approved several important regulatory changes, including regulations designed to protect the state’s declining southern flounder population. Specifically, the Commission approved increasing the minimum length requirement for southern flounder to 15 inches and changes to the…

Contact: Kent Keene, Lower Midwestern States Coordinator On Tuesday, November 5, Texas voters took to the ballot box and approved the constitutional amendment known as Proposition 5, which fully dedicates the sales tax revenue for certain sporting goods items to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Parks Division (TPWD) and the Texas Historical Commission (THC)….

Contact Kent Keene, Lower Midwestern States Coordinator On May 25, the Texas Legislature passed HB 337 (nicknamed “Kali’s Law”), which would require boaters to wear emergency engine cutoff switches (commonly referred to as a kill switch) when operating recreational motorboats less than 26 feet in length. This legislation was co-sponsored by Texas Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus…

By Chris Horton, Midwestern States Senior Director and Fisheries Earlier this month, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) released a series of proposed regulatory changes for freshwater fisheries in the state. The proposed changes include modifications to the length limits and harvest regulations for largemouth bass, Alabama bass and alligator gar in certain areas….

On Election Day – November 6 – the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) traveled to Houston, Texas, for the 6th Annual Bass, Bucks & Boots regional event. The event gathered members of the Texas sportsmen’s community to discuss the importance of voting for candidates who support hunting, fishing, and wildlife conservation. CSF Honorary Board of Directors…